Chapter 33: You Can’t Just Say That!

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

“Su Cheng, I’m here today with good news.”

“The date for the Supernova finals has been set. Next week, you’re coming with me to Shanghu. Dress a bit more formally when the time comes, and prepare an acceptance speech or something along those lines.”

Zhang Shunping told Su Cheng that 《King of Fighters: The Gathering of Clouds》 had made it to the finals.

Their opponent was an indie game, but it couldn’t compare to King of Fighters.

The championship was definitely Su Cheng’s, no question about it.

“All right, Teacher Zhang. I’ll get ready over the next couple of days.”

The dishes began to arrive.

Zhang Shunping then began introducing the man and woman beside him.

The man was named Zou Shaoqing.

The woman was named Fan Ziru.

They looked only about three or four years older than Su Cheng.

“Shaoqing and Ziru are both former students of mine.”

Through their conversation, things became clear.

Su Cheng learned that Zou Shaoqing had studied art, while Fan Ziru had studied programming.

Both had worked at major companies.

A male artist.

A female programmer.

Quite interesting.

What was even more interesting was that when Old Zhang introduced them, he hadn’t mentioned terms like “seniors” at all, simply referring to them as former students he had taught.

The two took turns congratulating Su Cheng.

Su Cheng didn’t actually care much for popping champagne at halftime^[1] like this.

While the last celebration dinner had technically been one, that hadn’t entirely been the point; it was mostly just an excuse to invite Du Xi over for a meal.

By now, Su Cheng could already tell that Old Zhang wanted to introduce these two to him.

On this matter, Su Cheng couldn’t help but admire Old Zhang’s finesse.

Not only did he know how to handle people, but he also knew how to speak tactfully.

Since he was recommending students to Su Cheng, emphasizing that they had seniority over him would have been inappropriate.

However, the time for a formal recommendation hadn’t quite arrived yet.

Old Zhang first asked Su Cheng what he planned to do next.

“《Metal Slug》 was just released, so as for what’s next… I haven’t decided yet.”

Su Cheng actually already had plans.

With the asset pack for Elite Action in hand, he was definitely going to make Elite Action.

However, he couldn’t say that in this setting.

Old Zhang already knew about Metal Slug.

He had been present that day at the King of Fighters Championship, and had even asked Su Cheng how preparations were going, offering to give some feedback, which Su Cheng had declined.

It had only been a few days since then.

And Su Cheng had already completed 《Metal Slug》 and put it up for sale?

“It was actually rushed out. A lot of players had pre-ordered it, so it wouldn’t be good if I kept dragging my feet,” Su Cheng answered in all seriousness.

“That’s the right attitude.”

“When making games, the first thing you have to consider is how the players feel.”

“As long as you do those things well, the market and the players will naturally reward you handsomely.”

“If you keep your eyes solely on the money, things will only backfire.”

Old Zhang shared his past experience with Su Cheng, who agreed with him.

Su Cheng had also read a book that made the same point.

If you only fixate on the goal, you will most likely fail.

But if you build your own system and do well in every aspect, the goal will naturally be achieved.

That book was 《Atomic Habits》, released in Chinese as 《Atomic Habits》, and it was Su Cheng’s bedside reading.

At this point, Fan Ziru took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Su Cheng.

“I’ve played Qianhe Studio’s two 《King of Fighters》 games, and I also played the recently released 《Metal Slug》. They’re all great games.”

“The art and programming are both done really well.”

“I was wondering if President Su is currently looking for people?”

Fan Ziru didn’t present herself as a senior alumna or an industry veteran, but instead addressed Su Cheng as President Su.

She was quite different from how Du Xi had been at first, acting very humble.

Su Cheng had yet to indicate his stance.

Old Zhang moved on to the formal introductions, beginning to detail their work experience and qualifications.

Fan Ziru and Zou Shaoqing both came from major companies.

However, due to differences between company philosophy and personal pursuits, they had resigned voluntarily.

After learning that they had been unemployed in Shanghu for two months, Old Zhang organized this dinner, wanting them to meet Su Cheng.

Bachelor’s degrees, big-company experience, and Old Zhang’s personal endorsement.

On top of that, Su Cheng was short on hands.

Naturally, he had no reason to refuse.

“Sure thing!” Su Cheng agreed readily, without stumbling over a single word.

“Teacher Zhang, you’ve introduced two powerhouse talents to me!”

Zhang Shunping smiled.

“How about this.”

“Come to the 34th floor of Derun Building on Monday. Since Teacher Zhang recommended you, we’ll skip the probation period and I’ll process your onboarding directly.”

Both Zhang Shunping and Fan Ziru were quite pleased.

Zou Shaoqing, who had remained silent at the side the whole time, suddenly spoke up.

“Um… as for the salary…”

Old Zhang shot Zou Shaoqing a warning look.

Zou Shaoqing immediately swallowed the rest of his words, an unnatural look stiffening on his face.

He knew he had said the wrong thing.

In a setting like this, the main topic was simply whether Su Cheng wanted them or not.

How could they negotiate salary right in front of Old Zhang?

Nothing good could come of discussing it here.

Offering too much wouldn’t be appropriate.

Offering too little wouldn’t be appropriate either.

“Salary doesn’t really matter.”

“Our main priority is to build something great together with President Su.”

Seeing this, Fan Ziru smiled and covered for Zou Shaoqing, easing the awkwardness.

Fan Ziru hadn’t asked that question at all.

Before coming, Zhang Shunping had probably already briefed them.

How would Old Zhang know the pay and benefits at Qianhe Studio?

No need to guess.

Li Lei had definitely leaked it.

Li Lei had strong programming skills, but right now he was still just a sophomore, lagging far behind Old Zhang in worldly experience.

When someone wanted information from him, they could coax it out in just a few words.

Aside from that, Su Cheng was pondering another question.

“Uh, let me ask one more thing.”

“Hm?”

“You two…” Su Cheng gave them a pointed look.

Fan Ziru caught on immediately.

Su Cheng was asking whether she and Zou Shaoqing were a couple.

“We’re not… He’s my cousin.”

Ah, I see.

A cousin.

Su Cheng had a general grasp of the situation now.

After finishing the meal and exchanging phone numbers among the three of them, he left the restaurant.

As for Fan Ziru and Zou Shaoqing…

There was no need to question their abilities.

Being able to work at a major tech firm for three or four years meant they definitely had real skill.

On top of that.

Since Old Zhang was willing to vouch for them, their professional competence was bound to be rock-solid.

If they were duds, Old Zhang wouldn’t have stepped forward.

As for their personalities.

Fan Ziru struck Su Cheng as a woman who was very adept at handling people.

Outgoing, cheerful, and socially sharp.

As for Zou Shaoqing, he seemed more like an honest, taciturn sort who kept to himself.

He wasn’t very good with words, and his emotional intelligence fell short compared to Fan Ziru’s.

Still, none of that mattered much.

After all, they were a game company.

Game companies, and the gaming industry in general, were typically like this: there was no need for strong social skills, and having zero social skills was completely fine.

What did ordinary programmers and artists need high EQ for anyway?

Su Cheng used to have a subordinate with a personality similar to Zou Shaoqing’s, maybe even more reserved, and he had done just fine.

As long as you didn’t cause trouble for others, no one would mess with you.